The Municipality of Utrecht and Collective Capital have launched the Bestaansbalans: a crowdfunding initiative to financially support workers on welfare. The goal is to raise 100,000 euros to provide 100 Utrecht residents with a financial buffer for one year. This buffer offers the peace of mind that everyone deserves, and the initiative serves as a protest against the broken welfare system, according to the initiators.
A Creative Response to a Broken System
People on welfare who want to work part-time become entangled in a web of complicated rules and ongoing uncertainty due to the Participation Act. According to current regulations, someone receiving benefits can earn very little on top of their benefit amount. If they do earn more, the difference is deducted the following month. This retrospective settlement creates financial stress and makes the transition to work even harder.
Councilor Linda Voortman: “The current Participation Act often hinders rather than supports. The government claims to want to encourage work, but under the current rules, people who want to work from welfare are penalized with complicated rules and financial uncertainty. With the Bestaansbalans, we show that it can be different: by investing in security instead of distrust.”
A Movement Towards System Change
The Municipality of Utrecht and Collective Capital are joining forces for change. The Bestaansbalans not only supports residents but also calls on the House of Representatives: make the buffer budget part of the Participation Act. This way, the Bestaansbalans aims to do something concrete about the current system while also thinking about sustainable alternatives.
Denise Harleman, founder of Collective Capital: “The welfare system is broken. It does not provide people with a dignified existence. This is not just a political problem; it raises the question: how do we want to live together? With this collaboration, we demonstrate that it must be different. We realize that this buffer is a band-aid on greater suffering, but it is a start to show at the local level that it can be different. We call on all Utrecht residents to join this collective movement by donating or becoming part of the journey that shapes this initiative. Everyone is welcome. Together we build a system that works for everyone.”
Building Change Together
Everyone can contribute to the crowdfunding from today until April 15, 2025. The municipality will randomly select residents who qualify for implementation. The Bestaansbalans will then provide them with a financial buffer tailored to their personal situation.
For more information on participation, conditions, and how to contribute, visit www.bestaansbalans.nl.
Help and Contact Municipality of Utrecht
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